2016 Reflections at the Lantern Festival

As 2016 comes to an end, we reflect on the ups and the downs, the good and the bad, and more importantly, our hopes for the fast approaching new year. A few weeks back I attended the Lantern Festival and I couldn’t think of a more symbolic way to ring in the New Year than with thousands of people gathering in the desert, releasing lanterns as symbols of their hopes, fears, wishes, and messages into the sky. The Lantern Festival was so powerful, emotional, therapeutic, and moving that it’s hard to not let go of 2016’s worries and feel cleansed and optimistic about the future.

2016 has been an amazing year for me. I crossed some major milestones academically, professionally, in my love life, and new career. This year I graduated from my Dietetic Internship, became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and am now able to give this website my full, undivided attention. This is the first time I have not been in school, worked a traditional full-time job, or have been on someone else’s schedule or timeline. Right now I am completely free to fully engage in my website and pursue a new professional career as a RDN, which is an extremely exciting and freeing feeling.

Also this year, I got engaged, moved in with my fiancé Mark, and have been loving every puzzle and piece of wedding planning. Growing up, I was never the girl who dreamt of her fairytale wedding or Prince Charming. I had no idea what went into planning a wedding, such as choosing the wedding colors, dress, or venue location. Long story short, I learned a lot since our February engagement and I am excited to share with you some of my engagement survival tips and wedding planning ideas in the coming months.

With all of the excitement and ambition I have for 2017, I lit my lantern and let it fly, high into the atmosphere filled with gratitude for what I accomplished this year. And literally, like magic, as I released my lantern U2’s Sky Full of Stars began to play. It was almost like the universe was saying, “Yes, 2017 will be your year!”.

And I hope they are right 😉

Now it’s your turn to let your lantern fly! No matter what ups and downs you had in 2016, let go of the past and set your fears, goals, and hopes into the sky. Let your stress and worries float away and start 2017 with a fresh slate full of hope and ambition!

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Hey, I’m Michele, RDN

Trained Chef & Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

I'm always searching for elevated and celebrated food experiences! Whether it's a regional dish from around the world or a healthy seasonal recipe, I'm sharing it with you! Add a little more sparkle to your day with my healthy recipes, must try travel bites, and once-in-a-lifetime food experiences. Join my edible adventure! More About Michele →